A schoolboy has been arrested on suspicion of stabbing his ex-girlfriend with a penknife following an argument.

The teenager was held by police last night after a 14-year-old girl went into a leisure centre reception with a stab wound to her back.

Officers cordoned off the centre car park for forensics searches – and around 50 minutes later a suspect was arrested behind a pub.

West Midlands Police are keen to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of Bloxwich Leisure Centre last night, particularly between 7pm and 7.30pm, and may have witnessed the incident or anything suspicious.

A 16-year-old boy, from Leamore in Walsall, West Midlands, is in police custody on suspicion of wounding the girl with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He is due to be questioned by detectives today.

The girl, from Blakenhall, has undergone surgery in hospital where her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Anyone with information is urged to contact West Midlands Police Force CID at Bloxwich police station and speak to DC Jason Fowler on the 101 number.